Suggestions for Burgundy & Provence

I'm curious what you're thinking in terms of splitting your time between Bourgogne and Provence for the period from 9/12 to 9/22?

I understand you want to be in Cremieu, east of Lyon, on either 9/14 or 9/15, but other than that, how do you view spending your time? I probably don't need to mention that Cremieu and Lyon itself, are in neither Bourgogne-Franche-Comté nor in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. They're in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Lisa,
Just some comments regarding the beginning of your Burgundy and Provence trip.......

In 2017, we left Chambord for the drive to Beaune, and we stopped at the Fontenay Abbey on the way. It was a fantastic site and very much worth it. It seems that Auxerre to the Abbey takes about 1 1/2 hours. There isn't a cafe there, so take something along for lunch. I would spend about one-two hours exploring the abbey. From there to Beaune (which we liked a lot...been there three times) it takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Don't miss the Hospice de Beaune. The roof and the tryptich are especially impressive! Beaune's central area near the Hospice is very walkable. We stayed at the Best Western Plus au Grand St. Jean. We had 2 rooms, a double and a triple, for 213 euros back then. It looks like less than $100 a night in Sept. this year (on booking.com). They have onsite parking also, about 10 euros a day. Not bad. Beaune is a good location for some drives to check out vineyards and wineries. It's imperative to reserve your tastings. It's not like here in Calif. where you can drop in. And be sure to watch your tasting, as the blood alcohol limit in France is lower, and enforcement is not neglected.

The drive from the Loire Valley to Beaune via Fontenay was nicely scenic as well. The last time we were in Dijon was way too long ago for my comments to be of use. I do love the moutarde dijonnaise however, so be sure to do some tasting of different ones, if you are so inclined.

Lots of ideas about Provence, but too many to start with here and now. It's a big area. You are smart to have a car there.
More may come from other posters.

Amusez-vous bien!

Hi Lisa,

I just returned from about 10 days in Lyon and Burgundy. I'm still processing everything we saw but will do a trip report soon. We stayed in a gite in Burgundy which allowed us to enjoy the fresh produce from the local markets. We mostly ended up eating lunch out and making dinners at the gite. This may be a good option and may help focus in on areas to stay based on availability. I was also in Provence and Lyon in 2023. You have so many great towns to see and ways to spend your time!

I agree about the Fontenay Abbey. It is a great visit and the grounds are beautiful. There are vending machines for coffee/water/soda on site but we picnicked in the parking lot. I think Beaune is worthwhile. Meursault is a charming wine village (almost picture perfect). Villages further from Beaune were less busy in our experience but nothing was packed in May, even Beaune on market day. We meant to go to Dijon on this trip but simply ran out of time. I was overwhelmed with how much there was to see and do once we got there, even after doing a lot of research and planning beforehand. Aix-en-Provence does have the Cezanne celebration while you're there if that is a draw for you. I enjoyed visiting the Pont du Gard, not far from Nimes or Avignon if you'll have a car. Lyon is one of my favorite European cities - beautiful architecture, great food, museums, archeology, 2 rivers and lots of green space.

Perhaps discuss what are the must sees between the two of you to help decide how to divvy up your time. Again, you will have so many great options - I think it will be hard to be disappointed no matter what you choose!

Thank you, Bob, Mel, & Judy, for your responses. I asked for suggestions because we really don't have a plan...just a few things we'd like to see (Guedelon, Beaune, Cremieux medieval festival, Arles, Avignon, Nimes if we get that far) but neither of us have been any further than Guedelon & Alise-St-Reine (and a lunch in Avignon) so we only have suggestions from what we've read. I very much appreciate the specifics offered and the pricing info (merci!) :)

We enjoy food & wine (but aren't snobby about either so not looking for pricy options), we love culture, military history is huge for my hubby (especially Napoleon but this isn't a big region for him). A perfect location for a base in either area would have a boulangerie within walking distance, a variety of cafes / restaurants, a shopping area, and would have quick day trips available (again, suggestions for these would be appreciated).

We'll end our southern trip on 9/22 to return to Paris for our flight home 9/23. Any suggestions for our last evening / morning in Paris are welcome (especially if near CDG).